THYROID FUNCTION IN NEPHROSIS 1

Abstract

Since hypometabolism and hypercholesterolemia are common to both hypothyroidism and nephro- sis, it was postulated that thyroid activity was sub- normal in nephrotic patients. However, Epstein found that remarkably large doses of thyroid hor- mone could be given to nephrotic patients without inducing hypermetabolism (1). Such tolerance to thyroid medication is unusual among patients with true hypothyroidism. It has therefore been sug- gested that the hypometabolism and increased se- rum cholesterol in nephrosis are due not to de- creased thyroid function but to other causes, as yet unknown (2).